Iraq begins manual count after special voting with turnout exceeding 80%

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission announced Sunday evening the start of manual ballot counting and comparison with electronic tallies following the close of special voting at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

During the special voting, the security forces and displaced persons cast their ballots in the 2025 parliamentary elections.

Qais Al-Muhammadawi, deputy commander of the Joint Operations Command, said in a press conference that preliminary results from the special vote would be shared with political entities, while final results would be announced after the general election concludes.

“Discipline was high during the special vote, in coordination with the electoral commission,” Al-Muhammadawi, who is also head of the Higher Security Committee for Elections, said. “We are proud of our role in securing the special voting process.”

He also revealed the voter participation in the special voting process exceeded 80%. Final turnout figures have not yet been released.

Iraq entered its electoral silence period Saturday morning, suspending all campaign activity to create a calm environment for voters. Campaigning, which began on October 3, ended with 7,768 candidates competing in the November 11 parliamentary elections.